III. ON A PERSONAL NOTE…

Undoubtedly, you love many children’s books, both classics and contemporary. Please cite three favorites, including at least two MG/YA. What makes each unforgettable?

My favorite books often have an emotional connection; for example, I distinctly remember reading Charlotte’s Web, Little Women, and the Anne of Green Gables series growing up with my mom and sister. Lately, I’ve had such great reading luck and have loved many of the books I’ve read, including The Night Diary, The Poet X, You Should See Me in a Crown, Prairie Lotus, and Song for a Whale. Stories have a remarkable way of uniting us by building empathy, shared experiences, and a broader worldview. 

How does meeting writers at workshops (or elsewhere in person) affect you, your perspective, your work? What do you enjoy about participating in writers’ events? What aspects of our event appeal to you (what are you looking forward to)?

I frequently attend writers’ workshops and conferences. For me, it’s invaluable to meet prospective writers in person because it’s a good reminder of how I can best communicate the role of an agent within the wider industry. This industry can be confusing and daunting, but I hope that, by being present at these events, and being a person who welcomes questions and conversations, some of the barriers come down.

This workshop, PCCWW, is particularly unique in that it involves whole-novel critiques, something I’ve never done before in a conference setting. I’m excited to be able to dig in really deeply!

What would you like writers to know about you, the individual who scrutinizes (and may reject) their literary labor of love?

Getting a pass on a query letter or manuscript is tough, but it’s very likely it’s going to happen. And that’s okay! It’s part of the process that almost every published author has experienced in one form or another throughout their career. Passes often mean “not right for me” rather than “not a good book,” so keep trying! All you need is one “yes,” and once you find the right advocate for your work, the numerous passes will be a learning experience behind you.

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